I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy. Rabindranath Tagore
On July 5, 2022 when Mary and Zainab brought their families to visit the children at Hope for Katanga Kids Project Home in Katanga, Uganda. The home provides shelter and care for more than 30 children. Some were abandoned or neglected, some have escaped domestic violence. The home gives the children a loving family environment where they are fed, given parental guidance, and opportunities for education, life skills and social skills. The hope is to equip the children to become healthy and responsible citizens of their larger community.
Mary and Zainab’s family came bearing gifts: rice, sugar, maize flour.
“Every time I visit this home, I feel so devastated by the condition in which these children are and how they cope with the lifestyle,” reflected Mary. “This inspires me to keep donating what I can so that I can improve their lives. I am happy that God has enabled us to put together resources for this noble cause.”
Zainab Nankya said, “It has deeply touched my heart. I now know and see that there is such a group of needy children in my community. These are children who can hardly feed on two meals a day and I commit to support them more often through donations in future.”
The two women and their families spent time with the children, sharing stories and encouragement. They told the children to stay positive in life no matter their situation.
Zainab and Mary’s single visit to Hope for Katanga Kids Project Home sparked a renewed desire to support the efforts of service-minded people who are caring for the most vulnerable in Uganda. Sunshine Family Volunteers encourages families to adopt service as a part of their family traditions and become the rays of hope and love that can uplift the lives they touch.
At GPW, we are inspired by stories of volunteerism, empathy and sharing kindness with the less fortunate in the world. We applaud Mary and Zainab families for their noble work and upholding the culture of being service-minded women. If you have a Sunshine Family Volunteer story to share or your family wants to start a project, email younshim.park@globalpeacewomen.org.